Linking Multiple BOOST Unit Tests into a Single Test Binary

Linking Multiple BOOST Unit Tests into a Single Test Binary

21 May 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When dealing with a large and complex codebase, getting started with unit testing can seem daunting. This is particularly true if your project lacks modularity and has highly interdependent components. One effective approach is to compile multiple BOOST unit test files into a single test executable. This simplifies the linking process and allows you to focus on writing tests and refactoring your code.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can link multiple BOOST unit test files into a single test binary:

1. Create a Main Test File

Your main test file will serve as the entry point for all your unit tests. It should contain only a few lines of code:

#define BOOST_TEST_MODULE "C++ Unit Tests for MyTangledLibrary"
#include 

This file defines the BOOST test module and includes the necessary BOOST test header.

2. Add Test Module Files

Next, create separate test module files for different components or functionalities of your codebase. Each module should include the BOOST test headers and define the test cases:

#include 
#include "your_include_files.hpp"

BOOST_AUTO_TEST_SUITE(FancyShmancyLogic)

BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(TestingIf2x3equals6)
{
  // Your test code here
}

BOOST_AUTO_TEST_CASE(TestingIf2x2equals4)
{
  // Your test code here
}

BOOST_AUTO_TEST_SUITE_END()

By organizing your tests into suites and cases, you can maintain a clear structure and easily manage your test code.

3. Compile the Test Executable

Finally, compile your main test file along with all the test module files into a single executable. This approach ensures that all your tests are run from a single binary, simplifying the testing process.

Why This Approach Works

This method leverages the flexibility of the BOOST test framework to manage complex dependencies and large codebases. By consolidating your tests into one executable, you avoid the intricacies of linking many interdependent object files separately.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on setting up and running automated tests, check out our related articles:

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